About a month ago, Arsene’s men were favorites to win the BPL. But with three defeats and four draws in the last nine EPL games, the Gunners are eleven points shy from the top spot. With nine fixtures remaining, Arsenal is set to miss out on another EPL title and last week’s 2-1 upset from Watford means that this would most probably be a trophyless campaign for Arsenal.
The North London team is desperately missing Cazorla in the middle of the park. Cazorla is the backbone of the Arsenal side, and he is the one who makes them tick. His splendid control, amazing vision, trickery, quick dancing feet and exquisite passing make him a complete player and one hell of a bargain. Alongside his offensive gameplay, the Spaniard also performs his defensive duties efficiently.
Santi Cazorla formed a strong partnership with Francis Coquelin in the centre of the park. The duo works perfectly together, destroying opponent’s moves and taking the ball on to the final third of the pitch. One compliments the other, and they become an unstoppable force when playing together.
The goals have dried up lately for Arsenal and pundits have claimed that most of it are due to the injury to Cazorla. Aaron Ramsey has replaced the injured Cazorla. Although the Welshman is technically gifted, he hasn’t quite hit it off with Coquelin in the centre. There is a lack of creativity, and opposing teams are facing it easier to cut the supply to Mesut Ozil. Moreover without Cazorla, the Gunners are leaking more goals and have been giving away possession more easily.
https://youtu.be/bT2jpUzQiEE
Cazorla suffered a hamstring injury against Norwich and had missed four months of football. Arsenal fans can’t wait for their star player to be fit again. Will Santi’s return from injury in a couple of weeks ignite the spark in Arsenal’s title challenge or is too little too late for Wenger and co?
Words by: Hassan Shahid